Sending a special message this Christmas Via O2 was never so easy

With Christmas almost upon us, we're all looking for last minute ideas
as to how to make our loved ones feel special over the holidays. And if
there is a way to do this using our favourite technology then the
chances are we'll be hooked.
This year, O2 rose to the festive challenge by launching its very own
virtual Santa and grotto. This was an interesting idea for those unable
to be with family and friends over Christmas and a really fun way in
which to send them a message of festive cheer.

To send a message to your loved ones from the O2 Christmas grotto, you
simply needed to tweet your message to @O2 and use the Twitter hashtag,
#o2santa. Once received, Santa would get busy recording your message and
O2 subsequently sent you a tweet containing a link to it as soon as it
was ready. From that point, it became yours to pass on to whomever you
wished. Santa's festive grotto was open from 9 am on 12th December,
through to midday on 15th December. Although now closed, it is safe to
assume that O2 and other providers are likely to offer something similar
in future years.

This was a really fun idea that made use of your smartphone in an
innovative way. It is encouraging to see mobile providers thinking of
new ways in which to engage with customers, offering them extra value
through creative services. Even modest gimmicks such as these can become
powerful marketing strategies when used correctly and it will be
interesting to see how O2's rivals react with their own festive
promotions in future years. For those with an eco-conscious focus, the
move to digital greetings and gifts clearly avoids the paper waste
associated with cards and gift wrapping.

Remember that to get the best from your smartphone this Christmas,
you'll need fast mobile broadband in order to view rich video content or
perhaps to game online. There are plenty of Christmas themed apps and
gifts available, ranging from iTunes vouchers which can be bought via
your phone and sent remotely, through to personalised e Christmas cards
which can be viewed on the recipient's phone.

It is also worth checking your smartphone provider's app store to see
what seasonal apps are available. You'll find everything from quirky
games, editing software and greetings apps, through to Christmas present
finders, January sales and even voucher code apps designed to help you
save money.

If you're looking for mobile broadband connectivity away from home, you
now have the option of 3G, in addition to wireless broadband in many
city and town locations. Everything from the local coffee shop through
to the major hotel chains are now likely to offer wireless connectivity.

For those who use their smartphones constantly throughout the day, a
generous 3G package is worthwhile for those times when wireless
connectivity isn't available. It's worth speaking to your provider to
find out how you're currently using your 3G allowance and to determine
whether your package needs changing. For example, if you find you
currently pay add-on charges or international usage charges, then an
alternative package may prove to better meet your requirements. Many
providers also offer add-on products in support of their mobile
broadband solutions. These include dongles for laptops, allowing you to
have more than one device connected whilst on the go.

In short, the festive season is a good time in which to use your
technology to explore new approaches to gift giving and the
communication of goodwill messages. If you're new to the full power of
your smartphone, why not use the holiday to get to grips with its full
potential?

About the Author:

The
above article is guest post composed and edited by Shanne D. She is associated with
many technology and designing communities including Broadband Expert as
their freelance writer and adviser. In her free time she writes
articles related to technology, mobile broadband, mobile applications, etc.

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Author Details

Harshad Sonaje is a hobbyist Technology blogger and a passionate Software Architect working full time in Software Development industry. I was always driven by technology and I always make sure I share any new discoveries I make in technology on my blog.